Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a Buddhist temple built on the rocky shoreline of Gijang-gun, on Busan’s northeast coast. Most Korean temples sit in the mountains, so its setting right above the waves makes it one of Busan’s most photographed sights.
It is an active place of worship: keep your voice down in the halls, don’t photograph people praying and dress modestly.
Plan your visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
- Entry: free (car park fee)
- Opens early morning, closes early evening
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
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History of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
According to the temple, it was first founded in 1376, late in the Goryeo Dynasty, by the monk Naong. Historians have questioned this early date, and the present buildings largely date from the 1930s onwards, with major restoration in the 1970s, when it took the name Haedong Yonggungsa.
The temple is dedicated above all to Haesu Gwaneum Daebul, the sea-facing Bodhisattva of Compassion. It is especially colourful around Buddha’s Birthday in spring, when thousands of paper lanterns are hung over the paths.
Attractions at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
- Twelve zodiac statues: Stone figures of the 12 animals of the East Asian zodiac line the path near the entrance.
- The 108 steps: A stone stairway down towards the temple, the number symbolising the 108 worldly desires in Buddhism.
- Daeungjeon (main hall): The colourfully painted main hall stands on the rocks facing the sea.
- Haesu Gwaneum Daebul: A large white statue of the Bodhisattva of Compassion on the hill above the temple, looking out to sea.
- Seaside viewpoints and pagodas: Paths and a small bridge lead to rocks and a stone pagoda with views back over the temple.
Things to Do at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
- Watch the sunrise: The temple faces east and opens early, making it a popular sunrise spot.
- See the lanterns: Visit in the weeks before Buddha’s Birthday for lantern-covered paths.
- Take photos from the viewpoints: The best views of the whole complex are from the rocks to the side of the main hall.
- Combine with the Gijang coast: Visit Osiria, Songjeong Beach or Lotte World Adventure Busan nearby.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
Entry to the temple is free; a fee is charged for the car park. The temple opens very early in the morning and closes around early evening; check the official website for current times. Weekends and holidays are very busy, so arrive early.
There are many steps and some slopes, so access for wheelchairs and pushchairs is limited.
Tours
- Busan highlights day tour (some packages include Haedong Yonggungsa): on Klook
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How Long to Spend at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to walk around the temple and viewpoints. Add more time if you combine it with the other Osiria sights.
How to Get There
- Bus from Haeundae: From Haeundae Station (Line 2, exit 7) take city bus 181 towards Yonggungsa and get off near the temple, about 20 to 30 minutes. From the stop it is a 10-minute walk.
- Donghae Line train: Take the Donghae Line to OSIRIA Station, then a short taxi or local bus, or about 20 to 25 minutes on foot.
- Taxi: Around 20 minutes from Haeundae Beach, depending on traffic.
- Tours: Many Busan day tours include the temple with the east coast sights.
Arriving at Gimhae Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
- Snack stalls on the approach path: Simple street food such as grilled corn, fish cakes and hotteok along the walk to the temple.
- Osiria and Gijang: Restaurants and cafés around OSIRIA Station and the Lotte Premium Outlets nearby.
- Gijang anchovies and seafood: Daebyeon port, a short drive north, is known for seafood restaurants, including anchovy dishes in spring.
- Songjeong and Haeundae: Many more options a short bus or taxi ride away.
Other Attractions Nearby Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
- Songjeong Beach: A quieter beach popular with beginner surfers.
- National Fisheries Science Museum: A family-friendly museum on marine life and fisheries near the temple.
- Lotte World Adventure Busan: A theme park in Gijang’s Osiria tourist complex.
- Haeundae Beach: Busan’s best-known beach, around 20 minutes away by taxi.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Busan: Haeundae or Gijang’s Osiria area are the closest bases.
- Get a South Korea eSIM before you land, for maps and ride-hailing apps.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is Busan’s seaside temple: free to enter, with a main hall standing on the rocks above the waves, a giant white Bodhisattva statue and lanterns in spring. Go early to beat the crowds, or come for sunrise.
It sits on the Gijang coast, about 30 minutes from Haeundae Beach, and pairs well with Lotte World Adventure Busan in the same area.
